Vat Pa Pha Bard enshrines the peace of Buddhism

Back in 1991, monk Khamtun Vorarath discovered Buddha’s footprint in the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area and believed it would become an a important place for Buddhists.

 

Then in 1997, he asked the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, and the local people to build a temple in the jungle.

 

The temple was given the go ahead in 1998 with the central hall constructed first to enshrine Buddha’s footprint. It is designed in an Indian style mixed with Laotian art; a balance of beauty and sanctity.

 

In more recent years, Khamtun has organised the erecting of Buddha statues at important places around the temple.

 

Unfortunately, Khamtun passed away earlier this year but believers continue to travel to pay homage to Buddha’s footprint as well as enjoy the temple grounds.

 

Some seek meditation to calm their mind with only the sound of insects in the jungle to be heard.

 

Vat Pa Pha Bard authorities said the temple welcomed everyone interested in making merit as well as learning Buddhist teachings from the monks.

 

In particular, those in need of meditation inside the temple or under the trees can ask monks to teach them how to inhale and exhale calmly to control their breathing.

 

The activity will help visitors to feel at peace as well as reduce their stress during weekly work.

 

“Of course, reducing stress is useful for your mind when returning to the workplace or even spending time with your family,” a monk explained.

 

Vat Pa Pha Bard temple is located in Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province. A peaceful and relaxing site where you can refresh your lungs under the trees’ shadows surrounding the temple. 

 

What should I do at the temple? 

 

The temple is close to Phou Khao Khouay Mountain, which was declared a National Protected Forest Area in 1993 with forests, wildlife and waterways are protected by state decree.

 

The temple is not just a place to seek peace, but being set in jungle means visitors can enjoy the sounds of insects while trekking to visit the Buddha statues, caves and hills surrounding the temple.

 

There are several wooden huts that the monks use for meditation, each located at least 200 metres from the main central hall.

 

Visitors can stop at a hut to talk to or get advice from monks on how to meditate correctly, but should not disturb those who are themselves meditating.

 

A bridge connecting the central hall to other parts of the temple complex allows you to stop in the middle to take your photo as the background is full of trees.

 

The new monks’ house is under construction and a must see as it is designed in an Indian style, but is sculptured as well as designed by a Lao artist, so you can see concepts of Lao art, which have been conceived with the younger generation in mind. It is intended to give a sense of where Buddha comes from, as well as the characteristics of the Lao style.

 

A large Buddha image on a hilltop is located in the middle of the temple complex, and makes you feel Lao people’s devotion to Buddhism. This is another sight not to be missed, so it’s worth making the effort to walk up the hill.

 

The Buddha Cave is full of small Buddha images. There is water under the cave which local people believed is sacred, so you might see candles and incense sticks set on the rocks. 

 

It’s a 100 metre walk to the cave, but you will feel refreshed as you walk through the forest.

 

Walk up 200 metres from the cave and you will witness various Buddhist legends depicted in  images that represent his passing away, birth, and enlightenment. 

 

Monks often like to sit and meditate here.

 

Vat Pa Pha Bard temple is not that easy to get to, unlike other temples in Laos, but this jungle temple will inspire visitors, who are bound to fall in love with its peace and the opportunities to learn the ways of a Lao temple. 

 

How to reach Vat Pa Pha Bard temple

 

The temple is about 40 kilometres northeast of Vientiane on the Tha Ngon road. There are no buses or tuk-tuks going there so you must hire a van or car, for which the price will depend on your bargaining power. The road to the temple is improving and is now being surfaced with asphalt.